What does a gastroenterologist do? – Tasks and work environment
A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases of the stomach and intestines, liver, bile ducts, and pancreas. Typical tasks include patient assessments, endoscopic examinations, treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, liver issues, and other gastrointestinal conditions. The work often takes place at hospitals, specialist clinics, or university hospitals, where close collaboration with other specialists and healthcare staff is standard. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, varied tasks, and demands on both technical skills and good communication with patients.
Salary development over time
The profession of gastroenterologist has seen a clear positive salary development in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 92 200 SEK, which corresponds to an increase of about 6.7% from the previous year. In 2024, the average salary has continued to rise and is now 93 600 SEK, representing an additional increase of 1.5% compared to the previous year. This development reflects a continued strong demand for specialist doctors in the field, where increased workload and high skill requirements influence salary levels. The salary increase has been somewhat higher than for many other specialist professions within healthcare, which can be explained by a shortage of experienced gastroenterologists and increased medical needs in the population.
Gastroenterologist salary – full overview
- Average salary: 93 600 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 84,600 SEK/month (men), 91,200 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 110,600 SEK/month (men), 101,500 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 563 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (92 900 SEK compared to 94 300 SEK)
- Regional differences: Data on regional variations are lacking, but salary levels are generally higher in metropolitan areas and within the public sector.
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a gastroenterologist is long and requires extensive medical training. After earning a medical degree, one completes general internship (AT), specialist training (ST) in internal medicine, and then further specialization in gastroenterology. Practical experience and continuous further education are crucial to maintain and develop competence in the field.
- Medical degree: 5.5 years (university)
- Internship (AT): approximately 18–24 months
- Specialist training (ST): 5 years (internal medicine + gastroenterology)
- Certifications: Specialist certificate from the National Board of Health and Welfare
- Practical requirements: Clinical service and supervised practice
- Prerequisites: Basic eligibility for university studies, good grades in science subjects
- Tips: Early focus on internal medicine and research interests can be advantageous
Gastroenterology is a field where technological development advances rapidly – new endoscopic methods, advanced imaging diagnostics, and personalized treatments offer great opportunities for specialization and research for those wishing to deepen their expertise.
Common benefits and compensations
In addition to base salary, the role often includes benefits such as occupational pension, flexible working hours, paid further education, wellness allowances, and opportunities for research activities. In some cases, on-call and standby allowances as well as extra vacation days are offered within the public sector.
Competition and challenges
Competition for positions as a gastroenterologist is moderate in many areas but varies depending on the region and employer. The shortage of specialists in the field means demand is high, but workload can be heavy, especially at university hospitals and larger clinics. Rapid medical development requires continuous further training, and the work demands both technical skills and mental resilience. Many gastroenterologists experience balancing clinical work with administrative tasks as challenging, especially with increased documentation and reporting requirements.
Tips for those who want to become a gastroenterologist
To succeed as a gastroenterologist, it’s beneficial to combine analytical skills with a genuine interest in medical technology and patient-centered work. Curiosity and a willingness to constantly learn new things facilitate keeping up with the rapid developments in the field. Precision is crucial in diagnostics and treatment, while empathy and good communication skills make interactions with patients and relatives easier. It’s also wise to seek internships in internal medicine and gastroenterology early on to gain insight into daily work. Engaging in research projects or international collaborations can also open doors to exciting career opportunities.
Key facts about gastroenterologists
- Education level: Medical degree + specialist training (about 12 years total)
- Professional group: Specialist doctor
- Work environment: Hospitals, specialist clinics, university hospitals
- Demand: Very high, 371 job openings in the profession
- Typical work form: Full-time, daytime with some on-call work
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a gastroenterologist, there are opportunities to advance to senior consultant, medical manager, or to combine clinical work with research and teaching. Some choose to further specialize in subspecialties such as hepatology or advanced endoscopy. Forecasts from the Swedish Public Employment Service indicate that the job market for specialist doctors, including gastroenterologists, is very favorable with increasing demand over the next five years. However, recruitment is described as paradoxical, with both a shortage of experienced specialists and high staff turnover. Overall, this indicates good opportunities for continued career development and specialization within the field.
Frequently asked questions about gastroenterology
- What does a gastroenterologist earn?
- The average salary for a gastroenterologist is 93 600 SEK per month.
- How does one become a gastroenterologist?
- The path involves medical school, internship (AT), specialist training (ST) in internal medicine, and then specialization in gastroenterology.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do within the profession.
- What are the most common workplaces for gastroenterologists?
- Most work at hospitals, university hospitals, or specialist clinics.
- What is the job market like for gastroenterologists?
- Demand is very high, and there are good opportunities for employment.
- What are the highest and lowest salaries for gastroenterologists?
- The highest salary is 110,600 SEK and the lowest is 84,600 SEK per month.
